Art Of Glass

Driving past their shop for as long as I can remember, it was a pleasure to be able to go in and meet Danielle and Ian from The Stained Glass Studio, to discuss our new collaboration and see what they are all about!

It’s a big year for The Stained Glass Studio; not only the Silver Anniversary of 25 years in business, a huge milestone in itself, but also their fast growing expansion, which has and will open many more doors for the business.

Now a husband and wife team, Danielle Hopkinson first opened the business’ doors in 1993, after graduating from Swansea College of Art, having studied Architectural Stained Glass for 3 years. Joined by husband Ian Davis in 1997, the couple then found themselves in Ipswich, wanting to showcase something completely unique to the residents. Being different has also allowed them to reach clients as far afield as France, Portugal and Luxembourg.

The Stained Glass Studio designs, manufactures, restores and installs architectural stained glass; whether it is private individuals wanting something bespoke for their home, or working with churches, helping them restore original pieces or even adding new updated visions of beauty.

Many techniques are used to create such masterpieces, such as kiln fired paintwork, fusing, etching and sandblasting; using both mouth blown and machine made glass which comes in a huge range of colours, it must be very difficult to pick just one as they are all just so beautiful!

In terms of expansion, have you wondered what that empty white building next to them is going to be? Well, that is the new and exciting adventure, Stoke Bridge Workshops which will be opening its doors early next month, promoting a growing programme of workshops and offering a range of courses lead by other established artists and craftspeople in ceramics, printing, painting, jewellery and textiles. In addition to all of that, the intention is also to hire this space out to individuals to run their own classes alongside local charities and art clubs. So it’s a very busy and exciting period for Danielle and Ian!

Now you know a little bit more about the bespoke business you have been driving past all this time. Now is the time to go in and see for yourself.